Pernod targets Bourbon drinkers with new Scotch

Pernod Ricard has claimed to bridge the gap between Bourbon and Scotch with the launch of a new “accessible” whisky blend exclusively in two US states.

Barrelhound Blended Scotch Whisky is said to bridge the Scotch and Bourbon worlds with a “more accessible taste profile”

Barrelhound Blended Scotch Whisky is a no-age-statement expression aged in American oak ex-Bourbon barrels. It is described as having a “sweet, more accessible taste profile” than other Scotch whiskies with notes of vanilla, honey, oak and spice.

“In a market dominated by American whisky, we feel that Barrelhound brings something different and exciting to the category,” said Kate Pomeroy, vice president of innovation and consumer Insights at Pernod Ricard USA.

“Its foundations stem from some of our finest Speyside malts which create a truly unique taste profile. While born in Scotland, this U.S. bound whisky is ready to offer whisky lovers an unexpected new breed of scotch that is great on the rocks or in cocktails.”

Barrelhound is named after a distillery’s “nose” who discovers the best barrels for blending. The expression is now available in New York and Washington DC at an RRP of US$29.99.